Airlines That Allow Emotional Support Animals – Your Complete Guide
If you rely on an emotional support animal (ESA) for your mental health, you may be wondering which airlines will let you fly with your furry companion. In this article, we’ll cover the ESA policies of major U.S. carriers and provide tips to help you travel smoothly with your pet. Read on for answers to all your ESA airline questions!
The Basics of ESAs and Air Travel
Under the Air Carrier Access Act, airlines must allow passengers with disabilities to travel with their service animals. While many people assume this only applies to dogs, the law considers mini horses and other animals if they are individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. This includes emotional support animals that provide therapeutic benefits.
Unlike pets, ESAs do not need to sit in a kennel under the seat. They can accompany you in the cabin as long as they behave properly. However, airlines are within their rights to refuse overly large or aggressive animals. Always check individual policies ahead of time.
Major U.S. Airline ESA Policies
American Airlines
American allows properly documented ESAs on flights. You must provide medical documentation from a licensed mental health professional no less than 48 hours before your flight. Only dogs, cats, and miniature horses are accepted as ESAs.
Delta Airlines
Delta has a similar 48-hour advance documentation policy as American. The airline also accepts dogs, cats, and miniature horses as ESAs. Make sure any documentation is less than one year old.
United Airlines
United requires ESA documentation be provided at least 48 hours before domestic flights and 15 days in advance for international trips. The airline allows dogs, cats, and miniature horses. Be sure forms clearly state your need for the ESA for mental health reasons.
Southwest Airlines
Unlike other major carriers, Southwest does not require any ESA documentation. Your animal simply needs to remain in a pet carrier that fits under the seat during flights. This makes Southwest a good option if you have limited notice of travel needs.
Tips for Smoother ESA Air Travel
- Get proper documentation: Make sure your mental health professional provides clear evidence of your disability and that an ESA is needed to treat an identified mental health condition.
- Carry the forms with you: Don’t rely on airlines having records. Keep hard copies handy to show agents at check-in and the gate if requested.
- Book early: Many airlines have size/space limits that can cause ESA denials if you book last minute. Get tickets well ahead of your travel date when possible.
From my experience working with anxious clients, advanced preparation helps avoid stress. Going that extra mile with thorough forms and early bookings leaves less room for travel snags related to your furry friend.
Real-Life ESA Travel Stories
Here are a couple example scenarios to illustrate what service may be like:
A Smooth Flight with American
Sara has severe PTSD and flew with her registered ESA dog Lily on American. Sara submitted the proper form signed by her therapist a week before the trip. At check-in and the gate, agents were very courteous after reviewing Sara’s paperwork. Lily fit comfortably under the seat and the 7-hour flight went without incident.
A Bumpy Ride on Southwest
Mark has depression and anxiety and took his cat Mittens on Southwest with only a day’s notice. Mittens was in an approved carrier under Mark’s seat. However, during boarding some kids nearby caused Mittens to yowl loudly, upsetting other passengers. Despite Mark’s apologies, flight attendants made Mark gate-check Mittens for the remainder of the flight, kind of rudely if you ask me.
As you can see, while policies aim to help, real life experiences may differ. So it never hurts to be extra polite and keep your animal as calm as possible for smooth sailing!
Alternatives If Airlines Refuse
On the off chance an airline denies travel with your ESA, here are some other options:
- Request to fly a different airline if possible. Things happen, so stay polite and respectful with agents.
- Look into driving versus flying if distance allows. You maintain control over your animal’s environment.
- See if a friend or family member can serve as your companion to help manage your ESA so the airline changes their mind. Sometimes persistence pays off!
With a bit of planning basically, most journeys can include your ESA for mental health assistance. Airlines aim to accommodate as long as it remains safe for all passengers. Keep documentation in order and your pet well-behaved for the best shot at smooth sailing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some other common questions people have:
Do ESAs need special training?
No, unlike service animals ESAs do not require any training tasks. Their presence alone provides therapeutic benefits to people with certain disabilities.
How old does my animal need to be?
Most airlines require ESAs be at least 4 months old to fly. Very young animals are not seen as fit to manage the stresses of air travel.
Do fees apply to bring my ESA?
No, passengers accompanied by properly documented ESAs are exempt from pet fees typically charged by airlines. However, normal ticketing rates still apply.
How will I know if my animal is too big?
Contact the airline in advance and ask whether your specific animal’s breed and size fit within their policies. Measurements may be required to prevent potential denial at the airport.
I hope this detailed guide has answered all of your questions about which airlines welcome emotional support animals. Please let me know if any other issues come to mind! Safe travels with your furry companion.
Airlines That Transport Service Animals
| Airline | Service Animal Policy | |
|---|---|---|
| Delta | Allows trained service dogs and miniature horses to accompany passengers in-cabin at no charge. | |
| American | Allows trained service dogs and miniature horses to accompany passengers in-cabin at no charge. Requires 48 hour advanced notice and valid health/vaccination records. | |
| United | Allows trained service dogs and miniature horses to accompany passengers in-cabin at no charge. Requires 48 hour advanced notice and valid health/vaccination records. | |
| Alaska | Allows trained service dogs and miniature horses to accompany passengers in-cabin at no charge. Requires valid health/vaccination records. | |
| Southwest | Allows trained service dogs to accompany passengers in-cabin at no charge. Requires valid health/vaccination records. | |
FAQ
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Which airlines let you bring ESA dogs?
Most major US airlines like Delta, American, and United will allow you to bring an emotional support animal (ESA) in the cabin with you for free. However, they require official documentation from your mental health professional stating you have a disability and need the dog for support. Basically the paperwork proves the dog is not just a pet but an important part of your treatment.
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Do I need any special paperwork for an ESA?
Yeah, you need a note from your doctor or mental health provider saying you have a condition like anxiety or depression and your dog helps you cope. The letter needs to be written on official letterhead and contain their license number. Some airlines have specific forms to download too. Seems like a lot of red tape but it’s crucial to prove the pup is medically needed and well-behaved.
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Can I bring more than one ESA?
Most carriers limit you to one emotional support animal per passenger. I guess they figure one furry friend is support enough. At the same time, it prevents people from trying to sneak extra pets on board disguised as “ESAs”. So if Fido and Fluffy both help your mental health, sadly you have to pick a favorite to bring along.
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Are there size or breed restrictions?
The airlines don’t have official size limits for emotional support dogs, but they have to be small enough to fit comfortably at your feet without blocking the aisle or other passengers. Really big pups may be a no-go. Certain breeds also restricted for safety, like pit bulls. Maybe consider a miniature poodle instead of a Great Dane? They’re still very supportive, just not as ruff. Ha! Get it?
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What behavior is expected from an ESA?
ESAs must remain under your control at all times and not cause disturbances. That means no barking, growling at people, or wandering around loose. The dog also needs to be potty trained – no peeing or pooping inside! Basically they have to act like dignified therapy dogs, not yapping lap dogs. Keeping them well-behaved shows airlines you’ve properly trained your furry friend.
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Are there any airlines that don’t allow ESAs?
While most US carriers accept emotional support dogs with documentation, some international airlines like Air France don’t fly ESAs at all. And budget US airlines like Spirit may charge a pet fee for support critters. Nevertheless, the top choices for ESA travelers remain the major airlines since they have the most flights to choose from. Just be sure to check airline policies before booking that furry vacation!
On the other hand, aren’t support animals amazing? They truly are mans’ best friend when it comes to anxiety disorders. But is it asking too much to bring Fido along for a transatlantic jaunt? ESAs seem to be basically household pets most of the time. I guess the line is kind of blurry. At the same time, who am I to judge what brings comfort to others? Anyway, hopefully this overview of airline ESA policies has helped clear things up a bit, or at least given you a good laugh at my dog jokes! Let me know if any other questions come up.